Empty fuel light ia always on - United Bimmer Community

**egenyru** · 06-04-2010, 11:18 AM

Hello! Need some help here. Although I fill the fuel tank the fuel indicator marks as if there is no fuel in it. Thanks!

**3050rpm** · 06-05-2010, 11:41 AM

It was a common problem with E36 models, I had it with my 1995, although I'm surprised it would still be occurring with after all these years. The trick that worked for me was to pull one of the fuses that was associated with the fuel gauge for 10 minutes, and then reinsert. I can't remember which number, maybe it was #10, maybe #31, maybe #41, check the fuse chart. This tip came to me from the dealer, so I guess it was legit, and it's worked, but don't ask me to explain the electronics behind it.

**egenyru** · 06-06-2010, 10:23 AM

Thanks for reply!! Checked all the fuses without any success. I guess it's time to change the fuel pump.

**3050rpm** · 06-06-2010, 10:52 AM

Let's not be too hasty now. First of all, it's not a matter of just checking those fuses, you are to pull them and keep them out for 10 minutes, and then reinstall. Don't ask me to explain this, what I can say is that it worked for me. Secondly, it's not directly the fuel pump, otherwise you wouldn't be going anywhere. So if the fuse trick doesn't work (and it may take one or two tries) it could then be the fuel sending unit or some other gizmo. I'd say spend a little time doing the electronic diagnostics, or take it to a competent shop that can do that, so you don't wind up spending hundreds of dollars needlessly.

**egenyru** · 06-06-2010, 05:28 PM

Ok! I'll try the fuses again. What about the fuel pump relay? Could it be the problem?

**3050rpm** · 06-06-2010, 06:46 PM

No, senor, your fuel pump is working, it's the electrical signal about the fuel level in the tank that's not getting through. One other thought... you could try jostling the car up and down as forcefully as you can, should the mechanical side of the sensing unit be hung up somehow, that might shake it loose.

**egenyru** · 06-07-2010, 03:48 PM

A friend of mine told me that maybe i should try to reload the car sistem, so i disconnected the battery and left it stay for a while. I wonder if it works...If not I'll try to jostle it as hard as i can...

**3050rpm** · 06-07-2010, 07:41 PM

Good advice from your buddy, that just might work. A caution-- do you have the radio code, if you have a stock radio and therefore requires resetting?

**egenyru** · 06-08-2010, 03:39 PM

Thanks for advice! Well, reseting gave no result, neither jostling. Will try diagnostics then...

**3050rpm** · 06-08-2010, 03:48 PM

Bummer, I guess so much for the simple solutions.

**kevzep** · 06-09-2010, 10:58 PM

Hi, how's it going?
Its not your pump. As far as i know the car has two fuel guage senders, one is attached to the fuel pump and the other on the opposite side of the back seat. They are pretty easy to get at, see pelican parts technical articles, i would just check all connections and make sure they are both free to move. http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...-Fuel-Pump.htm

**egenyru** · 06-10-2010, 03:21 PM

Thanks! It would be great if it works. Will check the connections this week end.